The chief executive of Shannon Development has described the impact of the new Doonbeg Golf Club in Co Clare as being akin to "Intel or Dell setting up in west Clare."
Mr Kevin Thompstone was speaking at the official groundbreaking ceremony at Doonbeg yesterday to mark the commencement of construction work on the accommodation and clubhouse phase of the project.
It was also revealed yesterday that sales of the Lodge Suites at Doonbeg, which began in June 2003, have surpassed all expectations.
Twenty-one Suites have been sold already for a total of more than $24 million to buyers from Ireland, Europe and the United States. Sales for phase two of the project, which will include 21 suites, are scheduled to begin in August.
Work on the overall project began in 2000 with the golf course, designed by Greg Norman, officially opening for play in July 2002. Last year over 15,000 golfers from all over the world played the course.
When complete the total project will represent an investment of €150 million by the US company Kiawah Development Partners.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony yesterday Charles P. "Buddy" Darby III, chairman and CEO of KDP, said that the start of construction was an historic day for the project.
He said he was confident that the team would meet the deadline of a spring 2006 opening for the clubhouse and lodge.
The development at Doonbeg has not been without controversy. Last week, Clare County Council made an apparent U-turn on a decision it made earlier this year in relation to works carried out at a controversial right of way at the course.
The authority has now been accused of "issuing contradictory statements in relation to planning matters."